What are the Legal Actions to take When Girlfriend Breaks a Promise to Marry?

Breach of promise to marry occurs when a person promises another to marry but on a later date refuses to do so. Breach of promise to marry per se was not actionable under the IPC, however, under Section 69 of the new BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita), sexual intercourse on the pretext of marriage, where deciet was involved or where the partner did not have any intention to marry at all. The punishment for such a criminal offence can be imprisonment upto 10 years as well as fine. You can take the help of a criminal lawyer to take criminal action against the alleged offender.

The aggrieved party can also file a civil lawsuit for breach of contract under Section 73 of the Indian Contract Act, 1872 claiming damages for losses suffered due to such breach. The damages awarded may include any expenses incurred by the aggrieved party in connection with the promise to marry, such as expenses related to engagement or wedding preparations. The court may also award compensation for any mental anguish or emotional distress suffered by the aggrieved party as a result of the breach of promise. It is important to note that the aggrieved party must be able to prove that the promise to marry was made, that they relied on the promise, and that they suffered damages as a result of the breach. The burden of proof is on the person who is alleging the breach of promise.